Brisbane to Hong Kong

Sydney might have its beaches, Melbourne great shops and restaurants, and Queensland is famous for its coastline but Brisbane is blessed by a mix of all three, albeit on a smaller scale. This city has a dynamic culinary scene, with local specialties including Moreton Bay Bugs, a lightly seasoned barbequed lobster cooked in its shell. The city’s relative youth (200 years) means that it’s a city hungry for art, music, and literature, and a fundamental stop for culture vultures would be QAGOMA (Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art), which homes over 17,000 works including a fabulous selection of Aboriginal art.

A day at sea with Crystal can be as relaxed or as engaging as you wish. Begin with breakfast on your veranda, take a walk along the Promenade Deck or spend the morning by the Seahorse Pool before retreating to the Aurōra Spa & Salon for a restorative treatment. Enrichment is always close at hand, with lectures, bridge, creative workshops, dance classes, wellness sessions and opportunities to fine tune skills from photography to golf.

Dining is a highlight throughout the day, from relaxed bites by the pool to elegant dinners at venues such as Umi Uma by Nobu, Beefbar or Waterside. As evening arrives, enjoy live music, theatre entertainment, comedy, social gatherings, cocktails in the lounges or a quiet night in with 24-hour in-suite dining.

Airlie Beach is best experienced below the waves. The port is one of the main gateways for the Great Barrier Reef, so if underwater adventures surrounded by reef sharks, manta rays, sea turtles, and countless colorful fish are on your bucket list then look no further. While the town’s proximity to the 1,430 mile (2,300 km) living coral reef is undoubtedly one of Airlie Beach’s main attractions, you can easily enjoy a day soaking up the sun and enjoying the town’s relaxed backpacker vibe. For those who prefer their wildlife to be above the ground, Conway National Park offers tropical rainforests, waterfalls, and 447 native species.

Located at the point where two UNESCO World Heritage sites – the Wet Tropics of Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef – gently curve to the shoreline, Cairns is graced with inspiring natural attractions in all directions. Active discovery is enjoyed with kite surfing, swimming, snorkeling and Zodiac excursions; beyond the coast are mountains, rainforests, eucalyptus, waterfalls, lakes, rugged ravines and farmlands fed by freshwater streams.

A day at sea with Crystal can be as relaxed or as engaging as you wish. Begin with breakfast on your veranda, take a walk along the Promenade Deck or spend the morning by the Seahorse Pool before retreating to the Aurōra Spa & Salon for a restorative treatment. Enrichment is always close at hand, with lectures, bridge, creative workshops, dance classes, wellness sessions and opportunities to fine tune skills from photography to golf.

Dining is a highlight throughout the day, from relaxed bites by the pool to elegant dinners at venues such as Umi Uma by Nobu, Beefbar or Waterside. As evening arrives, enjoy live music, theatre entertainment, comedy, social gatherings, cocktails in the lounges or a quiet night in with 24-hour in-suite dining.

Tucked just below the equator on the eastern shores of New Guinea (the other half belongs to Indonesia), the island nation of Papua New Guinea is home to beautiful tropical landscapes, azure waters, intricate coral reefs, exotic sealife and the wrecks of ships and aircraft that plunged into watery depths during World War II. From here, expeditions to the nearby isles of Samarai, Fergusson and Goodenough offer chances to delve further into history and spot wildlife amid unspoiled terrain.

Longboats ply the waters of the Sepik river and tribal traditions still pepper everyday life in the rainforest-draped mountains, Papua New Guinea is a destination that delights the truly adventurous. That's true, too, of its urban capital, Port Moresby, a landscape shaped by the diverse fortunes of its people. Make a beeline for the National Museum & Art Gallery to understand more about this intriguing island’s history and culture, illustrated by fascinating exhibits such as ceremonial musical instruments, canoes, and masks. Wander beneath the rainforest canopy of the city’s Nature Park to see the giant flightless cassowary and the rainbow plumes of the male Raggiana bird-of-paradise, the island's national symbol. There is some of the best diving in the world off these shores, too, especially around the shipwrecks from World War II from hard-fought battles for this important strategic territory.

A day at sea with Crystal can be as relaxed or as engaging as you wish. Begin with breakfast on your veranda, take a walk along the Promenade Deck or spend the morning by the Seahorse Pool before retreating to the Aurōra Spa & Salon for a restorative treatment. Enrichment is always close at hand, with lectures, bridge, creative workshops, dance classes, wellness sessions and opportunities to fine tune skills from photography to golf.

Dining is a highlight throughout the day, from relaxed bites by the pool to elegant dinners at venues such as Umi Uma by Nobu, Beefbar or Waterside. As evening arrives, enjoy live music, theatre entertainment, comedy, social gatherings, cocktails in the lounges or a quiet night in with 24-hour in-suite dining.

Many travelers will think of Darwin as the jumping-off point for The Kimberley, the port is, of course, the gateway to the Northern Territory’s famous 1,800-million-year-old red rocks, but Darwin has many other things to offer the day-tripper. Two of Australia’s most spectacular National Parks (Kakadu and Litchfield) are within an easy drive of the city, so even if you don’t want to get the full Kimberley experience, the ancient rock formations, lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, jumping crocodiles and breathtaking gorges give a bite-sized version of the region’s natural diversity. If you prefer to stay in the city, expect a multicultural experience. Darwin is closer to Jakarta than Canberra, so local markets, cafes, and restaurants overflow with Asian influence.

A day at sea with Crystal can be as relaxed or as engaging as you wish. Begin with breakfast on your veranda, take a walk along the Promenade Deck or spend the morning by the Seahorse Pool before retreating to the Aurōra Spa & Salon for a restorative treatment. Enrichment is always close at hand, with lectures, bridge, creative workshops, dance classes, wellness sessions and opportunities to fine tune skills from photography to golf.

Dining is a highlight throughout the day, from relaxed bites by the pool to elegant dinners at venues such as Umi Uma by Nobu, Beefbar or Waterside. As evening arrives, enjoy live music, theatre entertainment, comedy, social gatherings, cocktails in the lounges or a quiet night in with 24-hour in-suite dining.

Ringed by steep hillsides that fluctuate from jade green to rust red as the seasons shift, Komodo Island is a land of curious colors… and dragons. The largest island within the Komodo National Park, Komodo sports sandy beaches painted pink by the red coral that thrives on the reefs and locals who relish welcoming visitors. Besides the world’s largest lizards, other wild residents include wild boars, deer, water buffalo, cockatoos and macaques.

Bali is an island paradise renowned for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and lush landscapes. Start your day with a visit to the sacred Uluwatu Temple, perched on a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean, offering breathtaking sunset views and traditional Kecak dance performances. For nature enthusiasts, the Tegallalang Rice Terraces in Ubud provide a picturesque backdrop perfect for a leisurely walk or a photo opportunity.

Don't miss the bustling markets of Ubud, where you can find unique handicrafts and local delicacies. Bali is also home to world-class spa experiences, making it an ideal place to relax and rejuvenate. Whether you're exploring the art scene in Ubud or simply lounging on the beach, Bali offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.

A day at sea with Crystal can be as relaxed or as engaging as you wish. Begin with breakfast on your veranda, take a walk along the Promenade Deck or spend the morning by the Seahorse Pool before retreating to the Aurōra Spa & Salon for a restorative treatment. Enrichment is always close at hand, with lectures, bridge, creative workshops, dance classes, wellness sessions and opportunities to fine tune skills from photography to golf.

Dining is a highlight throughout the day, from relaxed bites by the pool to elegant dinners at venues such as Umi Uma by Nobu, Beefbar or Waterside. As evening arrives, enjoy live music, theatre entertainment, comedy, social gatherings, cocktails in the lounges or a quiet night in with 24-hour in-suite dining.

Located on the north coast of the island of Java, Indonesia, Semarang is the capital of its province, playing a prominent role as both busy commercial center and important cultural destination. The lowlands are characterized by offices, business centers and industrial estates, while up in the hills are houses with lovely gardens and superb views. The city's current vibrancy could perhaps have been predicted, as Semarang has been a bustling trading center since the Dutch colonial era, when the Dutch East Indies Company established tobacco plantations and built infrastructure such as roads and railroads. The Dutch influence can still be seen in the older part of the city near the harbor. Other cultures, primarily that of the Chinese, also have left their imprint on Semarang and continue to be a significant part of what it is to live in and visit Java.

A day at sea with Crystal can be as relaxed or as engaging as you wish. Begin with breakfast on your veranda, take a walk along the Promenade Deck or spend the morning by the Seahorse Pool before retreating to the Aurōra Spa & Salon for a restorative treatment. Enrichment is always close at hand, with lectures, bridge, creative workshops, dance classes, wellness sessions and opportunities to fine tune skills from photography to golf.

Dining is a highlight throughout the day, from relaxed bites by the pool to elegant dinners at venues such as Umi Uma by Nobu, Beefbar or Waterside. As evening arrives, enjoy live music, theatre entertainment, comedy, social gatherings, cocktails in the lounges or a quiet night in with 24-hour in-suite dining.

The Southeast Asian city-state of Singapore may be compact (it takes under an hour to drive from one end of the island to the other), but it certainly isn’t short on excitement. Shop up a storm on the fashionable Orchard Road, discover vibrant street art and royal landmarks in Kampong Glam, soak up a heady aroma of spices in Little India, and find tranquility in one of the city’s many urban parks and gardens. Whatever you do, just be sure to make the most of mealtimes. From bustling hawker centers doling out heaving bowls of chicken rice to fine-dining institutions with dishes so creative they’ll stay with you long after you’ve scraped your plate clean, Singapore's culinary culture is a total thrill.

A day at sea with Crystal can be as relaxed or as engaging as you wish. Begin with breakfast on your veranda, take a walk along the Promenade Deck or spend the morning by the Seahorse Pool before retreating to the Aurōra Spa & Salon for a restorative treatment. Enrichment is always close at hand, with lectures, bridge, creative workshops, dance classes, wellness sessions and opportunities to fine tune skills from photography to golf.

Dining is a highlight throughout the day, from relaxed bites by the pool to elegant dinners at venues such as Umi Uma by Nobu, Beefbar or Waterside. As evening arrives, enjoy live music, theatre entertainment, comedy, social gatherings, cocktails in the lounges or a quiet night in with 24-hour in-suite dining.

This emerald isle off Thailand's southeast coast, ringed by lovely beaches and gorgeous bays, enjoys both the fun-loving nature of the Thai people, and the peaceful serenity of Buddhism. Visit the beautiful waterfalls at Hin Lut and Na Muang, marvel at the enormous Buddha statue on Fan Isle, or just listen to the breeze whisper in the leaves of a coconut plantation.

Laem Chabang is the main port for cruises to Bangkok, situated about 120 kilometers (75 miles) southeast of the city, typically a 1.5 to 2-hour drive depending on traffic. For those looking to explore nearby attractions, Pattaya is only 30 kilometers (18 miles) away, a quick 30-40 minute drive. Pattaya offers beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and cultural sites like the Sanctuary of Truth.

It’s all about the beach on Ko Kut – some say it’s the most beautiful island in Thailand. This is a place to spend the day wiggling your toes in the white powder-soft sands. But if you must insist on exploring beyond your beach towel, take a refreshing hike to the Nam Tok Khlong Chao waterfall, go kayaking through the mangroves, or there's rewarding snorkeling and scuba diving in the clear waters off these shores, too. And don't miss mingling with the locals in the fishing villages Khlong Mad Jetty and Ao Yai.

Prepare to tuck into delicious food on Phu Quoc, especially if you keep it local – blue swimming crab caught nearby, a grind of pepper grown in the fields, and a dash of what many regard as the best nuoc mam fish sauce brewed in the whole country. But this is not the only enjoyment to be found on Vietnam’s largest island. It’s so rich in nature that UNESCO has declared more than half of the territory a Biosphere Reserve. Travel on foot or bicycle through rainforest, bush and mangroves and you might spot macaques, silver langurs, and hornbills, and snorkel over coral gardens to witness a multicolored marine world. Plus, there’s the lively main town, Duong Dong, with its renowned market, fishing villages with stilt houses in the shallows, Buddhist temples and shrines, and more than 20 fabulous beaches. You could even head to the amusement park on nearby Pineapple Island, or Sunset Town, an impressive replica of an old Italian village with plenty of entertainment laid on.

A day at sea with Crystal can be as relaxed or as engaging as you wish. Begin with breakfast on your veranda, take a walk along the Promenade Deck or spend the morning by the Seahorse Pool before retreating to the Aurōra Spa & Salon for a restorative treatment. Enrichment is always close at hand, with lectures, bridge, creative workshops, dance classes, wellness sessions and opportunities to fine tune skills from photography to golf.

Dining is a highlight throughout the day, from relaxed bites by the pool to elegant dinners at venues such as Umi Uma by Nobu, Beefbar or Waterside. As evening arrives, enjoy live music, theatre entertainment, comedy, social gatherings, cocktails in the lounges or a quiet night in with 24-hour in-suite dining.

Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is Vietnam’s bustling economic heart, where culture and commerce collide. Get a sense of the city’s eventful past – from its beginnings as a Khmer fishing village to its French colonial rule, its role as a military stronghold during the Vietnam War, and its post-war legacy – by visiting historic landmarks like the Saigon Opera House, the Reunification Palace, and the War Remnants Museum. Ho Chi Minh City’s strong street food culture means you’re never far from your next feast: sample local delights like com t?m (broken rice) and bánh xèo (savory fried pancakes) at one of the city’s many open-air kitchens or the sprawling B?n Thành Market.

A day at sea with Crystal can be as relaxed or as engaging as you wish. Begin with breakfast on your veranda, take a walk along the Promenade Deck or spend the morning by the Seahorse Pool before retreating to the Aurōra Spa & Salon for a restorative treatment. Enrichment is always close at hand, with lectures, bridge, creative workshops, dance classes, wellness sessions and opportunities to fine tune skills from photography to golf.

Dining is a highlight throughout the day, from relaxed bites by the pool to elegant dinners at venues such as Umi Uma by Nobu, Beefbar or Waterside. As evening arrives, enjoy live music, theatre entertainment, comedy, social gatherings, cocktails in the lounges or a quiet night in with 24-hour in-suite dining.

Located in Brunei, about 17 miles from the capital, Muara is a bustling port town that provides a glimpse into the country's maritime industry and trade. The country, officially known as the Nation of Brunei, is a small yet fascinating sovereign state located on the northern coast of the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia and is surrounded by the Malaysian state of Sarawak and the South China Sea. Brunei is known for its lush rainforests, pristine beaches, vibrant flora and fauna, as well as its rich history, cultural heritage, and impressive modern development, while being world renowned for its lush landscapes and pristine beaches. Muara is also home to several attractions, including the Muara Beach, where you can relax and enjoy the sea breeze. Nearby, you'll find the Lumut Lagoon, a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, while historic Muara Town Mosque showcases elegant Islamic architecture and offers insight into the local culture.

Kota Kinabalu , commonly known as KK, faces the South China Sea on the northwest coast of Borneo. As the state of Sabah's capital, it is a sprawling and busy city. Situated between the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park and Mount Kinabalu, it is a place for snorkeling, hiking and simply watching the ebb and flow of nature. For people watching, there is the KK Waterfront, where a variety restaurants, pubs and cafes vie for the traveler's time and interest. Shopping opportunities abound, with numerous malls offering slick and modern places to make that perfect purchase or two, and the Kota Kinabalu Handicraft Market, formerly known as the Filipino Market, and weekly Gaya Street Market hawking everything from ethnic souvenirs to traditional foods.

A day at sea with Crystal can be as relaxed or as engaging as you wish. Begin with breakfast on your veranda, take a walk along the Promenade Deck or spend the morning by the Seahorse Pool before retreating to the Aurōra Spa & Salon for a restorative treatment. Enrichment is always close at hand, with lectures, bridge, creative workshops, dance classes, wellness sessions and opportunities to fine tune skills from photography to golf.

Dining is a highlight throughout the day, from relaxed bites by the pool to elegant dinners at venues such as Umi Uma by Nobu, Beefbar or Waterside. As evening arrives, enjoy live music, theatre entertainment, comedy, social gatherings, cocktails in the lounges or a quiet night in with 24-hour in-suite dining.

The island of Boracay is the perfect place for those who want to spend time relaxing amid stunning scenery. Apart from its beautiful beaches and outstanding nature, there’s also the opportunity to learn about local culture by visiting the Motag Living Museum and enjoying the vibrant nightlife.

Shaped by centuries of history but pulsing with the energy of a modern Asian capital, Manila is a city of stark contrasts. Amid towering skyscrapers, expansive shopping malls, and luxury hotels and restaurants, you’ll find remnants of the city’s Spanish colonial past. Key sites include the 16th-century Fort Santiago, the UNESCO-recognized San Agustin Church, and Casa Manila, a meticulously restored living museum depicting colonial life. Moments of tranquility are never far off: Rizal Park is a leafy oasis in the heart of the city, while the natural harbor of Manila Bay is famed for its scenic sunsets.

A day at sea with Crystal can be as relaxed or as engaging as you wish. Begin with breakfast on your veranda, take a walk along the Promenade Deck or spend the morning by the Seahorse Pool before retreating to the Aurōra Spa & Salon for a restorative treatment. Enrichment is always close at hand, with lectures, bridge, creative workshops, dance classes, wellness sessions and opportunities to fine tune skills from photography to golf.

Dining is a highlight throughout the day, from relaxed bites by the pool to elegant dinners at venues such as Umi Uma by Nobu, Beefbar or Waterside. As evening arrives, enjoy live music, theatre entertainment, comedy, social gatherings, cocktails in the lounges or a quiet night in with 24-hour in-suite dining.

It’s impossible to be bored in Hong Kong, a glittering metropolis of dizzyingly high skyscrapers, thrumming street markets, and world-class malls flush with high-end designer stores. The city’s relentless energy is as addictive as its famous dim sum. But venture just beyond the tightly packed streets to encounter awe-inspiring nature, from the unique coastal formations of Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark to the shaded forests of Dragon's Back Trail and the golden sands of Cheung Sha Beach – perfect for lounging upon when your feet weary from shopping.